The San Francisco Bay Times announced Thursday that Culliver conducted his first interview with an LGBT media outlet, sharing how he changed his thinking. Culliver, who missed the 2013 season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee sustained during training camp, later underwent sensitivity training and began doing other outreach work.

Culliver said he hopes to work on a project with University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, who would become the NFL’s first openly gay player. He also applauded Nets center Jason Collins, who became the first openly gay NBA player last month.